Lifetime Dental August 2017

AUG 2017

www.eauclairedental.com | (715) 257-4335 LIFETIME PAGES

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My interest in dentistry goes all the way back to my youth. Well, sort of. I wasn’t directly interested in dentistry, but I was fascinated by the health sciences and the idea of healing people. And, as a kid, I loved working with my hands. My hobbies included building model cars, airplanes, and ships. Sometimes I would build the models from a kit, and other times I would use my imagination to customize a design of my own creation. It was through building models that I developed creative and fine motor skills, both of which would serve me well in the years to come. In many ways, pursuing a career in dentistry was an outlet for me to continue doing what I already loved. It brought together my fascination with the health sciences, health care, and healing, with a good measure of creative artistry. There were a few other bits and pieces from my youth that contributed as well. During high school and into college, I did a lot of photography. I loved capturing beauty on film. Along the same line, I took shop one year and created a lamp table. We were graded on workmanship, and I ended up walking away with a great table and top marks. These interests helped hone my creative eye. A lot of people don’t realize there is a creative component to dentistry. Many people assume it’s all about cleaning and check-ups, with the occasional filling or other minor procedure, but there’s a lot more to it than that. The mouth is part of a complex system, from the teeth to the gums to the things we can’t see under the surface. Plus, every mouth is different. Between two people, their teeth and gums may have the same general appearance, but there are many subtle differences most folks would never notice. Throughout my youth and into college, I developed an eye for fine details. That’s why I decided to become a dentist — it brings together the things I love, and I get to do it for other people. A LIFETIME OF EXPERIENCE

In all the years I’ve been practicing dentistry, I’ve found that every day brings on new and unique challenges. Just like every mouth is different, every day is different. I never know exactly what to expect, and that keeps it exciting. When I come into the office in the morning, I look forward to these challenges, and I look forward to seeing each person who comes through our door. It all comes back to one thing: I get to help people. I get to work through challenges and come up with creative solutions that meet each patient’s specific needs. It goes far beyond what you would expect. A patient may come to me in pain, and I have to figure out exactly what is causing that pain — whether it’s damage to a tooth or an infection. Tooth pain is the kind of pain you can’t sit on. When it hurts, it hurts, and it’s my job to solve the mystery and help the patient find the relief they need. That’s what I’m here for. My childhood interests, my schooling, and my experiences brought me to where I am today: here for the people who have come to rely on us for their dental care. Here for you. - Dr. Anthony Butcher